Method and apparatus for cleaning, distributing and aerating grain

ABSTRACT

An improved apparatus for cleaning, distributing and aereating grain is mounted in a storage structure and includes a frustro-conical screen device secured symetrically to an imperforate funnel-shaped member. A fan assembly is secured to the funnel-shaped body and is provided with a conduit which extends to the exterior. An adjustable control spout permits uniform distribution of grain upon the screen device where the fine material passes through the apertures in the screen while the grain is discharged into the storage structure. After the cleaning and distribution of steps are completed, the apparatus will then be inverted to position the screen device in the concave crater of the grain pile while positioning the funnel shaped body and fan assembly uppermost. The fan assembly will be energized to aereate the grain and present damage due to mold or fungus.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to grain cleaning and aeration and moreparticularly to an apparatus method for cleaning, distributing andaerating grain.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Harvested grain crops, such as corn or the like, are usually stored andthe moisture content is typically controlled by drying When the grain issold, the price of the grain is effected by the amounts of fines in thegrain. For example, the Federal Standards allows a maximum of 3% fines(broken corn and foreign material) in corn for No. 2 grade corn, and amaximum of 2% for No. 1 corn. Aeration of the grain during storagereduces the occurrence of mold damage.

A grain cleaner and distributor apparatus is disclosed in my U.S. Pat.No. 2,750,997 and this apparatus is effective in cleaning grain orsimilar material delivered to a storage structure. However, thedistribution of the grain with this apparatus cannot be closelycontrolled because the grain receiver is non-adjustable. I have provideda novel receiver for this grain and distributing apparatus which permitscontrolled distribution of the grain into the storage structure. I havealso developed a method of cleaning, distributing and aerating the grainwith this improved apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to provide an improved grain cleanerand aerating apparatus which has a grain receiving control device foreffectively controlling the distribution of the grain into the storagestructure.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel method ofcleaning and distributing the grain by using the improved apparatus inone mode of operation and thereafter engaging a concavity at the top ofthe mound of grain in the storage structure with the apparatus in aninverted condition to aerate grain.

FIGURES OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a side view partly in elevation and partly in sectionillustrating the improved grain spreading and cleaning apparatus mountedin a storage structure,

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of grain receiving componentsillustrating details of construction thereof,

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the grain receiving componentsillustrated in FIG. 3,

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the blade used to construct the controlspout,

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the improved grain cleaningand distributing apparatus as it is used to clean and distribute thegrain;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view similar to FIG. 2 but illustrating theapparatus in an adjusted mode of operation for aerating the grain.

FIG. 7 is a modified form of the control spout device; and

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken approximately along line 8--8 ofFIG. 1 and looking in the direction of the arrows.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings and more specifically to FIG. 1, it willbe seen that one embodiment of the improved grain cleaning anddistributing apparatus, designated generally by the reference numeral10, is thereshown. The apparatus 10 is mounted in a conventional storagestructure S for grain or the like adjacent the opening located at thetop of the storage structure. It is again pointed out that the storagestructure may be any of the conventional kinds including bins, truckbodies or similar structures for use in the storage and/or delivery ofgrain The apparatus 10 is mounted or suspended adjacent the opening 0 topermit grain delivered to the storage structure to be received, cleanedand distributed by the apparatus.

The apparatus 10 includes a cylindrical grain receiving member 11 havinga lower wall 12 with a centrally located opening 13 therein. A pair ofelongate vertically disposed tubular elements 14 have their upper endrigidly secured to the lower surface of the lower wall 12 and dependtherefrom. A tray-shaped distributor member 15 is positioned below thecylindrical grain receiving member 11 and has a lower wall 16 integralwith an upstanding annular wall 17. The distributor member 15 isprovided with an out-turned flange 18 which is integral with the annularwall 17. The distributor member 15 is also provided with a pair ofvertically disposed elongate rods 20, each telescopically engaging inone of the tubular elements 14. Each vertically tubular element 14 isprovided with a vertically adjustable lock element 21 thereon to permitthe distributor member to be vertically shifted relative to the grainreceiving member 11. A control spout device 22 is adjustably mounted onthe cylindrical grain receiving member and depends therefrom.

It is pointed out that the tubular members 14 could be shortened inlength and secured to the distributor member 15 rather than grainreceiving member 11. The rods 20, on the other hand, would be lengthenedand secured to the distributor member 15 rather than the grain receivingmember 11. Each of the tubular members 14 would be secured to thedistributor member 15 in registering relation with openings in the lowerwall 16. With this arrangement, the grain receiver member 11 may becollapsed downwardly on the distributor member 15 by lossening the lockelements 21 and urging the rod (extended in length) downwardly throughthe tubular members and opening in the distributor member.

The apparatus 10 also includes a frustro-conically shaped screen device23 having an opening at its upper end. An upper bead or rim 24 issecured to the screen 23a of the screen device at the upper end opening.It will be noted that the upper opening is of a size to receive thetray-shaped distributor member 15 therein with the out-turned flange 18thereof engaging the upper bead 24. The screen device is also providedwith a lower annular bead or rim 25 which is secured to the screen 23aat its lower edge.

In some instances, it may be desirable to reinforce the screen 23abecause of the load exerted on the surface thereof. Therefore, aplurality of straight reinforcing rods will extend between and be weldedto upper rim 24 and leave rim 25 to reinforce the screen 23a.

A rigid imperforate funnel-shaped body 26 engages the lower edge portionof the screen device 22 and projects downwardly. The funnel-shaped body26 has a tapered wall 27 that tapers downwardly and terminates in alower end portion 28. The lower end portion 28 is provided with openingstherein for connection to a motor mounting means. The U-shaped hanger 30is secured to the lower end of an elongate rod 31 which has its upperthreaded end projecting through an opening in the lower wall 16 of thedistributor member by a wing nut 32.

A fan assembly 33 is secured to the lower cylindrical end portion 28 ofthe funnel-shaped body 26 and depends therefrom. The front assembly 33includes an electric motor 34 which is secured to a fan housing 35, thehousing having an upwardly facing inlet 36.

The motor mounting means includes a small funnel 37 which is secured tothe lower end portion of the funnel-shaped body 26 by nut and boltassemblies 37a. A circular mounting member 37b is secured to the lowerend of the electric motor 34 and is provided with attachment straps 37c.The straps 37c extend upwardly at an angle with respect to the mountingmember 37b and each strap has an opening therein. The straps arepositioned against the inner surface of the funnel-shaped body 26 andare secured thereto by nut and bolt assemblies 37a. The electric motoris therefore mounted in vertical relation within the funnel-shaped body26.

The fan housing 35 accommodates a fan therein which is driven by theoutput shaft (not shown) of the electric motor 34. The fan housing 35 isprovided with an outlet 38 which is connected in communicating relationwith one end of an elongate conduit 39. The conduit extends outwardly tothe exterior and a suitable conductor 40 having a conventional bayonettetype socket member is connected to a source of electrical power and tothe electric motor 34 for operating the electric motor. The conductor 40extends through registering openings in funnel 37 and the funnel-shapedbody 26 as best seen in FIG. 1. When the electric motor 34 is energized,air will pass through the inlet 36 and will be discharged through theoutlet 38 and into the conduit 39.

The operation of the apparatus 10 during the grain cleaning anddistribution phase is substantially identical to that disclosed in myU.S. Pat. No. 4,750,997. Grain passes through the grain receiving member11 and into the tray-shaped distributor member 15 where the grain isdischarged outwardly upon the screen device 22. The openings in thescreen device 23 are of a magnitude to prevent grain from passingtherethrough but do allow the fines to pass therethrough.

When the fan assembly is energized, the fine material moving downwardlyalong the screen device will be subjected to a pressure differential andthe fines material will be sucked through the screen into thefunnel-shaped body 26 then into the fan housing while entrained in astream of air. These fines will thereafter be discharged exteriorly ofthe storage structure through the conduit 39.

Since the electric motor 34 is positioned interiorly of the cleaningapparatus 10, the electric motor will be cooled by the air flowingdownwardly through the funnel over the motor. Since the output shaft isfacing downwardly, there is little if any chance of rainwater flowinginto the motor (and the resultant shorting) in the event that theapparatus is accidentally exposed to rain. It is pointed out that theelectric motor 34 may be positioned exteriorly of the apparatus 10 inthe manner disclosed in my U.S. Pat. No. 4,750,997.

During the distribution and cleaning phase of the grain, it is desirableto have uniform distribution of the grain in the storage structure.Means are provided for permitting a more uniform distribution of thegrain in the storage structure and this means includes the adjustablecontrol spout 22. The adjustable control spout 22 includes a spoutmember 41 which is mounted on an adjustable mounting member 42. Thespout member 41 is formed of flexible plastic material and is preferablyformed from a rectangular blank of such material as illustrated in FIG.4. The blank has a plurality of vertical slits 43 therein that extendfrom the bottom edge 45 towards but terminates short of the top edge 46as best seen in FIG. 4. These slits provide the panel with a pluralityof panel elements 44.

The adjustable mounting member is formed of a rigid ferrous material andincludes a circular flat body 47 having a central opening 48 therein.The central opening 48 communicates with and is defined by a dependingcylindrical flange 49. The mounting member is positioned within thegrain receiving member 11 so that the circular flat body 47 engages theupper surface 12a of the lower wall 12 of the grain receiving member.The depending cylindrical flange 49 projects through the central opening13 in the lower wall of the grain receiving member and the dependingflange is engaged by the upper end portion of the spout member 41. Anupper clamping collar 50 clamps the upper end portion of the spoutmember to the depending cylindrical flange 49. A lower adjustableclamping collar 51 extends around and clamps the lower end portion ofthe spout member 41.

The lower adjustable clamping collar 51 may be adjusted to restrict orenlarge the cross-sectional size of the lower end portion of the spoutmember and to thereby control the amount of grain discharged from thespout member into the distributor member 15. This can be easilyaccomplished by tightening or loosening the lower adjustable clampingcollar 51. When the lower adjustable collar is tightened, the panelelements 44 are urged into over-lapping relation with each other in aprogressive manner to thereby reduce the cross-sectional size of thelower end of the opening. When the lower adjustable clamping collar isloosened, the cross-sectional size of the spout will be enlarged.

It is also desirable to adjust the spout laterally relative to the grainreceiving member 11 and relative to the distributor member 15. It willtherefore be seen that the diameter of the circular flat body 47 of themounting member 42 has a diameter less than the diameter of the grainreceiving member 11. It will further be noted that the opening 13 in thelower wall 12 of the grain receiving member is also larger than thediameter defined by the exterior surface of the depending cylindricalflange 49. Therefore the mounting member 42 can be translated laterallyin any direction relative to the lower wall 12 of the grain receivingmember.

Means are provided for retaining the mounting member in an adjustedposition. This means includes a plurality of arcuate shaped magnets 52.The magnets are disposed between the upper surface 12a of the lower wall12 and the lower surface of the circular flat body 47. Since themounting member 42 in the cylindrical grain receiving member are formedof ferrous material, the magnets 52 are attracted to both of thesemembers and serve to hold the control spout device 21 in an adjustedposition.

The unique design of the control spout device 21 permits the lumen typepassage defined by the spout to be selectively varied at its lower endto control the amount of grain or other material being dischargedtherefrom into the distributor member 15. The control spout device mayalso be translated laterally in any direction to vary the position thematerial will be discharged into the distributor member 15. This allowsan operator to adjust the distribution of the material as the storagestructure is being filled.

Referring now to FIG. 7 a modified form adjustable control spoutdesignated generally by the reference numeral 22a. The control spout 22ais substantially identical to that shown in FIG. 3 and includes slits43a which define panels 44a. The essential difference in the embodimentof FIG. 7 with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 3 involves the clampingcollar or element. In FIG. 7, the clamping element 51a comprises anelastic ring preferrably formed of a resilient elastic materialincluding rubber. Each of the panels 44a is provided with a smallretainer element 51b which is integral therewith and projects outwardlytherefrom. The retainer elements 51b prevent elastic clamping ring 51afrom slipping from the lower end of the control spout 22a.

When the storage structure is filled with the grain or similar material,the upper surface of the grain forms a shallow peak having a upwardlyfacing concaved depression located just below the apparatus 10 as shownin FIG. 5. This concave depression C in the grain conforms generally tothe exterior configuration of the screen device 23 and the funnel shapedbody 26. This upper profile of the fill storage structure is simply acharacteristic of the distribution function of the apparatus 10.

After the storage structure has been filled, the operator may remove theapparatus from its suspended relation with the storage structure and maydisconnect the hanger 30 from its engaged relation with the cylindricallower end portion 28 of the funnel shaped body. This permits thecylindrical member 11, the tray-shaped distributor member 15 and thecontrol spout 22 to be removed from the apparatus which may then beinverted to position the screen device in the concave depression C. Thescreen device will engage the surface of the grain defining thedepression and the fan assembly will be positioned uppermost asillustrated in FIG. 6. The conduit 39, which is flexibly, may then bedirected through an opening in the storage structure so that the outerend of the conduit is located exteriorly of the storage structure. Whenthe fan motor 34 is energized to operate the fan, air will be pulledthrough the grain and through the screen device and will be directed tothe exterior through the discharge conduit 39.

In the proposed embodiment, operation of the fan assembly motor 34 ismade responsive to the temperature of the air passing upwardly throughthe grain. A temperature sensitive probe device 60 is electricallyconnected to the fan motor 34 by an electrical conductor 61. The probedevice includes a control box 62 having an adjustment dial forpreselecting an operating temperature level. The probe device alsoincludes an elongate temperature sensitive probe 63. The probe 63 sensesthe temperature of the air and surrounding grain adjacent its lower tip.With this arrangement, the fan motor 34 will operate until thetemperature of all the grain surrounding the lower end of the probe 63falls below the selected temperature level which then opens theelectrical circuit to the fan motor 34. Since the grain has been cleaned(all fines removed), aeration can be easily accomplished.

The probe device 60a can be moved to any selected position includingsuspected hot spots. As an alternative sensing method, the probe device60a may be mounted in the conduit 39 immediately adjacent the dischargeoutlet 38 in the fan housing 35. This probe device is identical in allrespects to that previously described except that the probe 63a isshorter in length than the probe 63. The temperature of the air drawnthrough the grain into the fan housing 35 will be sensed as it isdischarged from the housing. When the temperature of this air streamfalls below the prescribed level, the circuit to the fan motor will beopened.

It is also pointed out that a conventional timing control (not shown)may be provided which could be placed at a location remote from theapparatus and storage structure but in controlling relation with the fanmotor circuit. The timing control could be selectively set to operatethe fan motor for a predetermined period of time (for example, 15 to 60minutes or longer) before opening the circuit to the fan motor.

Thus my novel improved apparatus permits the grain or similar materialto be cleaned and distributed in a storage structure and thereafteraerated by placing the apparatus in a different mode of operation. Thusis will be seen that the apparatus 10 permits grain to be effectivelycleaned, uniformly distributed and aerated during and immediately afterloading.

Thus, it will be seen that I have provided a novel apparatus and methodfor cleaning grain as it is uniformly distributed into a storagestructure and which is also operable to aerate the grain after loading.

What is claimed is:
 1. Apparatus for cleaning and spreading particulatecrops, delivered to a storage structure having an opening in an upperportion thereof, comprising;a frusto-conically shaped perforate screendevice having perforations therein of a size to permit crops to passthereover, but permitting other small material to pass therethrough,said screen device having an upper annular rim and a lower annular rim,an imperforate funnel-shaped member having an upper annular edgeengaging the lower annular rim of said screen device and having a lowerend portion, a fan assembly including, a fan housing having an inlet andan outlet, means releasably securing the inlet of the fan assembly tothe lower end portion of said funnel-shaped member in communicatingrelation therewith, an elongate discharge conduit having one end thereofconnected in communicating relation to the outlet of the fan assemblyhousing and having the other end thereof connected to the exterior ofthe storage structure, a vertically disposed cylindrical crop receivingmember for receiving crops delivered through the opening in the storagestructure, said cylindrical member including a lower wall having anopening therein, a shallow cup-shaped member positioned below saidcylindrical member, means adjustably securing said cup-shaped member tosaid cylindrical member to adjustably position the cup-shaped member ata selected vertical position below the cylindrical member, an adjustablevertically disposed elongate control spout having an upper end and alower end, means adjustably securing said spout to said cylindricalmember and being laterally adjustable to laterally shift the spoutrelative to the opening in the cylindrical member and relative to thecup-shaped member, said spout being adjustable to selectively vary thecross-sectional size of the lower end thereof whereby the position ofthe spout and the amount of crops discharged from the spout upon thecup-shaped member may be selectively adjusted to thereby permit moreeven distribution of the material upon the screen device.
 2. Theapparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said control spout is comprisedof a plurality of vertically disposed similar panel elements, and meansengaging the lower end portion of said spout to selectively vary theoverlap between adjacent panel elements and thereby varing thecross-sectional size of the lower end of the spout.
 3. The apparatus asdefined in claim 1 wherein said securing means includes a mountingmember formed of magnetic material positioned upon the lower of saidcrop receiving member, said mounting member having a cylindrical flangeprojecting through the opening in the lower wall of said grain receivingmember, means securing the upper end of said spout to said flange, andmagnetic means adjustably securing said mounting member to said cropreceiving member.
 4. The apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein saidmounting member includes a flat body positioned upon the lower wall ofsaid crop receiving member and having a cross-sectional size less thatthe cross-sectional size of said crop receiving member.
 5. The apparatusas defined in claim 3 wherein said magnetic means comprises a pluralityof magnetic elements positioned between said mounting member and thelower wall of said crop receiving member.
 6. The apparatus as defined inclaim 1 wherein said fan assembly includes an electric motor, meansmounting said electric motor interiorly of said funnel-shaped member. 7.The apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said means engaging thelower end portion of said spout comprises an elastic ring element.